I found an article in New York Times called, "Making Secular Art Out of Religious Imagery," about an exhibition in New York City of artworks that are secular but has religious imagery. For example, one artists created a room-size altar filled with family photographs, fragrant herbs, bottled elixirs and images of the Virgin of Guadalupe. The sub-title for this exhibit is actually "Art for a Forgotten Faith." The writer of the article notes that "After several years of submersion in lightweight post-Pop painting, clever design and quip-driven soft politics, we seem to be ready for something with a little more depth, breadth and soul."
Compared to the Gothic Eras when cathedrals were built in the city center and were a source of civic pride, religion does not unify society as strongly especially in America anymore. As we are stripping away from religion, I think that these artists have realized that regardless of our level of devotion, religion has always been and will always move and touch our souls.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/29/arts/design/29neo.html?_r=1&ref=design&oref=slogin
